C2 Radiator

[Michael S.]

I just discovered that my 1967 327/350 radiator is not aluminum but brass and copper. While this is far from an NCRS car, at least now, am I better off operationally with the aluminum ? My local mechanic says I should be fine-brought the car to him after noticing a high temp increase after a long idle. System has been flushed and filled, fan clutch ok, all else ok. Temp seems to be down to normal.

Also, I need a major carb rebuild. Loose/worn throttle shafts causing vacuum leaks. Anyone dealt with Pony Carburetors in New Woodstock, NY ? They seem very knowledgeable.

Thanks as always guys.

[John H.]

Re: C2 Radiator

Mike -

The #3155316 stacked-plate aluminum radiator is not only correct, but it's far more efficient than the "look-alike" copper/brass replacement; I have one of the "look-alikes" in my '67 SB also, and I now have a nice new DeWitt detailed/dated reproduction Harrison #3155316 aluminum radiator in a box in the garage waiting for "winter sleep time" to install it while I "spiff up" a few other things at the same time.

[Duke W.]

Re: C2 Radiator

Ditto what John says. Check that you have a correct and functioning L-79 vacuum advance and a properly operating fan clutch. If they are okay, then the DeWitts manufactured Harrison designed OEM radiator is probably your only hope to keep the engine cool in hot weather.

It is a superior design from a heat transfer standpoint, and is the only replacement radiator I would recommend.

A copper clone might work for awhile, but they have little margin, and once they start to build up deposits that restict heat transfer, the car will start running hot in hot weather.

Duke

[Jeff Debs]

Re: C2 Radiator

Hi Mike,
3 years ago, while driving to and from Corvettes at Carlisle in August, my restored '63 coupe was running hot. The needle was pegged but nothing boiled over, etc...I restored the car a few years earlier and put in the widely available and cost effective brass and copper recommended radiator. After returning from Carlisle I thoroughly went over the car check brakes dragging, tight belts, thermostat, etc,...and everything ws perfect. I brought the car to the shop i've used for 13 years or so now and we mutually figured out that my problem would go away if I replaced the radiator with an aluminum repro which is made as a perfect harrison replacement and is available with the correct stampings.
I went for it and i've never been happier! Last year, during the same ride to Carlisle in mid-90 degree weather the car ran a perfect 180 degrees!
It continues to run perfectly.

So,..if all checks out,..i'd go for the aluminum radiator. It may be costly, (mine was mid 600.00 plus labor and fluids)but do you want to risk damage to your engine?

Good Luck!
JD

[Tom Merkel]

Re: C2 Radiator

Jeff - Unbelievably I've been experiencing the SAME problem with my '67 L-79. I haven't as yet run the full gamut of checks as has been suggested by members of this forum, such as timing, fan clutch, etc. My problem is the same: the temp wants to run 200/210 when otherwise it would hold a perfect 180 in any weather.

I also replaced my radiator (the second one I've put in) with a new third copper one about 3 years ago. Coincidence or not, but it just seems to want to run hotter. Only since last late summer have I been putting significant miles on car, and that may account for my only recently noticing the higher operating temp.

Soooo, I guess I'm looking at a new AL replacement rad. Please reply with the make/model/mfg. that you used.

Thanks.

Tom

[John H.]

Re: C2 Radiator

Tom -

For my money, you only want to do this one more time, then forget about it, and enjoy the scenery instead of keeping one eye on the temperature gauge all the time. The "cure" is the DeWitt's aluminum Harrison reproduction, which literally cannot be told from the original. They're about $600, plus $75 for detailing, stamped part number and date, etc. if you intend to have the car judged. The copper/brass "look-alike" repros (which don't) just don't have enough margin to do the job.

[Tom Merkel]

Re: C2 Radiator

John - That's good advice, and as usual, you're right-on. Stop lookin' at the temp gauge; start lookin' at the women...errr, scenery.

I performed an experiment last Sunday. Took it to interstate, ran 70 mph in 80 deg. weather for 1 hr. Temp stayed at 200 - 210-ish. Point is, there was ample air flowing thru to cool down to acceptable range. The only other alternative - as suggest perhaps by you- is to check the vaccum advance 'can' for proper functioning.

Last, any idea as to how to contact Harrison for rad info? Web?

Thanks.

Tom

[John H.]

Re: C2 Radiator

Tom -

If Harrison still exists at all, it's part of the Delphi Automotive Group; probably isn't anyone still there who would remember about the aluminum stacked-plate radiator. If anyone knows, it would be Tom DeWitt - he had his repro radiator tested there vs. others as part of the GM Restoration Parts licensing process.

[Tom Merkel]

Re: C2 Radiator

John - Dewitt's can be found at , but there is no reference to Harrison.

There are pictures of all rad, and cross ref to GM p/n. Also an explanation of why AL rads are best v. copper.

For you, is this Dewitt's the same Dewitts as your Harrison/Dewitts reference?
'Cause I ordered one for my '67 L-79 yesterday. Painted, decaled, etc. Please advise if this is not the recommendation you meant by Dewitts/Harrison.

(Pardon me if I sound a little confused - I am.)

Thanks.

Tom

[John H.]

Re: C2 Radiator

Tom -

Yup, you got the right place - there's only one DeWitt's; Harrison isn't part of their company name - they just reproduce the original Harrison aluminum radiator - perfectly.

[Tom Merkel]

Re: C2 Radiator Dewitts

John - OK, Dewitt's it is for my '67 L-79. $770 + $20 ship and I've got me a new, decaled, painted AL rad.

I guess it's a lot $$, but my inquiries to this board provided me with ample positive responses indicating that THAT was the only way to go. I'll now be a 180 deg. type driver.

Thanks to all for input.

By the way, their web is nice. Take a look.

Tom

[John H.]

Re: C2 Radiator Dewitts

Tom -

You'll be pleased - I have one sitting in the box in my garage waiting to go in my '67, and it's so nicely-made I almost hate to install it; would make a great wall hanging